Yuji Horii, the legendary creator of Dragon Quest, just pulled one of the oldest tricks in the book. When asked about the long-rumored Chrono Trigger remake during his latest YouTube livestream, he didn’t confirm anything. But more importantly, he didn’t deny it either. And that’s got JRPG fans everywhere losing their minds.
What Horii Actually Said
During a recent episode of his talk show KosoKoso Hoso Kyoku, Horii was joined by Kazuhiko Torishima, a former Shonen Jump editor who’s a regular on the show. The conversation turned to Chrono Trigger when someone brought up the recent buzz around the beloved SNES classic. Torishima mentioned several upcoming initiatives for the game, including character popularity polls and orchestral concerts scheduled for 2026.
When directly asked about the remake rumors, Horii gave what can only be described as the most suspicious non-answer possible. He said “I can’t say,” followed by “You shouldn’t ask that!” and then “I’ll get told off!” That’s not exactly a denial. In fact, it sounds like someone who knows something but has been told to keep quiet about it.
Why This Matters More Than You Think
Chrono Trigger is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year. The 1995 masterpiece is consistently ranked among the greatest video games ever made, and fans have been begging for a remake or remaster for decades. Horii wasn’t just some random contributor to the original game. He served as the supervisor and scenario writer, making him one of the key creative minds behind it.
Here’s why Horii’s response is generating so much attention:
- He could have simply said “no” or “there’s nothing in the works”
- The phrasing “I’ll get told off” suggests he’s under some kind of agreement not to discuss it
- Square Enix has been on a remake streak with Dragon Quest HD-2D titles
- The 30th anniversary timing would be perfect for an announcement
- Multiple Chrono Trigger events are already planned for 2026
This Isn’t the First Time Horii Has Sparked Rumors
Earlier this year at a convention in Italy, Horii appeared to confirm a Chrono Trigger remake. The gaming community went absolutely wild. But then reports came out that it was actually a mistranslation. Shortly after, in another interview, he mentioned he was contemplating the idea, and that too was apparently misinterpreted.
So fans have been through this emotional rollercoaster before. But this latest non-denial is different. Horii wasn’t mistranslated this time. He deliberately chose not to shut down the speculation when he easily could have. That’s a significant distinction.
The Square Enix Remake Machine Is Running Hot
Square Enix has been on an absolute tear with HD-2D remakes lately. Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake came out to strong reception, and the company has already announced Dragon Quest I and II HD-2D Remake for late 2025. Dragon Quest VII Reimagined is also in development with new content and a never-before-seen conclusion.
The HD-2D style that Octopath Traveler popularized has proven to be perfect for breathing new life into classic 16-bit JRPGs. Chrono Trigger would be an ideal candidate for this treatment. The original game’s pixel art is already gorgeous, but imagine it with the depth, lighting effects, and visual polish that HD-2D brings.
What Could Be Coming in 2026
The fact that orchestral concerts and character polls are planned for 2026 suggests Square Enix is building toward something bigger. Companies don’t typically invest in anniversary celebrations without a product to sell. The concerts alone indicate a renewed push for the Chrono franchise.
If a Chrono Trigger remake is real, The Game Awards on December 11 would be an obvious place to announce it. The show regularly features major reveals, and Square Enix has used the platform for announcements before. Even if it doesn’t show up there, a 2025 reveal for a 2026 release would align perfectly with the anniversary celebrations already in motion.
FAQs
What is Chrono Trigger?
Chrono Trigger is a legendary JRPG originally released in 1995 for the Super Nintendo. It was developed by a dream team that included Yuji Horii of Dragon Quest fame, Final Fantasy creator Hironobu Sakaguchi, and Dragon Ball artist Akira Toriyama. The game follows a group of adventurers who travel through time to prevent a global catastrophe.
Who is Yuji Horii?
Yuji Horii is the creator of the Dragon Quest series, one of the most influential JRPG franchises in gaming history. He also served as supervisor and scenario writer for Chrono Trigger. In 2025, he became the first video game creator to receive Japan’s Order of the Rising Sun.
What is KosoKoso Hoso Kyoku?
KosoKoso Hoso Kyoku is a Japanese YouTube talk show hosted by Yuji Horii. He uses it to discuss various gaming topics and occasionally shares updates about Dragon Quest and other projects he’s involved with.
Has Chrono Trigger ever been remade before?
Chrono Trigger has received ports and enhanced versions for PlayStation, Nintendo DS, mobile devices, and PC, but it has never received a full-scale remake with modernized graphics. The DS version from 2008 added some new content but kept the original visual style.
What is the HD-2D style?
HD-2D is a visual style pioneered by Square Enix in Octopath Traveler. It combines retro 16-bit sprite work with modern lighting, depth of field, and visual effects. The style has been used for remakes of Dragon Quest III and Live A Live, both to positive reception.
When might a Chrono Trigger remake be announced?
While nothing is confirmed, The Game Awards on December 11, 2025, or early 2026 events would be logical timing. With orchestral concerts planned for 2026 marking the 30th anniversary, Square Enix appears to be building momentum for something significant.
Conclusion
Yuji Horii knows exactly what he’s doing. By refusing to deny the Chrono Trigger remake rumors, he’s kept hope alive for millions of fans who have waited decades for this moment. The combination of his coy responses, the 30th anniversary, planned 2026 events, and Square Enix’s ongoing love affair with HD-2D remakes all point toward something happening. Nothing is official yet, but this is the strongest indication we’ve had that Chrono Trigger might finally be getting the remake treatment it deserves.